The rebates that will help slash your power bill

With power prices doubling over the past five years, it is time to check out what electricity and gas rebates are available. There is one from the federal government, plus a number from state governments.

To get a rebate you have to meet the eligibility criteria, which typically cover people who are on a low or fixed income, receive the age pension, or have a health care card or a gold card from the Department of Veterans' Affairs.

How do you receive a rebate?

Check with your state government but typically you phone your electricity retailer and provide your concession card details. The retailer will confirm the information with the Department of Human Services and apply the concession to your bill.

National utilities allowance

This covers electricity, gas and water. Singles get $617.20 a year or $154.30 a quarter. Couples combined receive $617.20 a year or $77.15 a quarter for each member of a couple. It is paid quarterly by the Department of Human Services and adjusted twice a year in line with the consumer price index.

State by state

NSW

Low-income household rebate is $235pa for electricity.

Gas rebate is $90pa.

Family energy rebate is $150pa.

Queensland

Electricity rebate is $329.96pa.

Reticulated natural gas rebate is $69.73pa.

Victoria

Annual electricity concession is 17.5% off the total bill.

Controlled load electricity concession is 13% off the charges for electric hot water or slab heating.

Winter gas concession is 17.5% off natural gas charges from May 1 to October 31.

ACT

Energy concession is $338pa plus a utility concession of $88.

South Australia

Energy bill concession is $215pa.

Western Australia

Hardship utility grant scheme (HUGS) pays $538pa if you live south of Carnarvon or $891 if you live north of it.

Life-threatening electricity rebate

If you have a life-threatening condition that requires continuous or heavy use of electricity, you can claim a rebate. Check with your state as the amount varies, with Queensland paying $672pa for each oxygen concentrator and $450pa for each kidney dialysis machine.

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